highs and lows

I had to euthanize the white puff this afternoon. It was clear that she was very ill.....couldn't stand up well, kept falling over, had glazed eyes. She had the same sickness as the other puff and the only mercy was to end it for her. Luckily one of the blogs I read regularly (Vituperation, in the side bar) dealt not only with the same chicken problem but also with the issue of how to euthanize.


So, just in case you find yourself in the same sad situation (his was finding a fatally injured but still alive owl) this is how to end an animal's life with the least amount of suffering. In any auto supply store you can buy a spray can of engine starting fluid for a few dollars. The key ingredient: ether. In an airtight container big enough to hold the animal, soak several paper towels in the spray and put the lid on quickly. Don't breathe it in, obviously. Let the fumes build up for a few minutes. Fold another paper towel and in quick succession open the lid, put the dry towel on top of the wet ones for comfort, insert the animal, and close the lid. Walk away and take a deep breath, knowing that after a few breaths the animal will fall asleep and die. I'm not sure how long it takes for larger animals, but the peep was almost instantaneous.

I think I'll hold off on more puff chickens until next year.

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In happier news, remember my sneak project peek a few days ago? The dresses are complete and one set of sisters has already gotten theirs, and the other set are getting theirs tonight. I got the most wonderful thank you from Grace and Emma in the mail today. It was the perfect remedy for being sad. I can't wait to see all of the girls together in Cabo!